Russian vaccines efficient against swine flu - health minister

MOSCOW. Dec 6 (Interfax) - All Russian flu vaccines are effective against swine flu, which is currently showing a rising morbidity rate, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

"The H1N1 strain is spreading this year. Vaccines, which are being updated this season, contain exactly all components against the H1N1 strain. This is why vaccination against flu is absolutely necessary and effective," Murashko told journalists on Tuesday.

The morbidity rates of both flu and coronavirus are currently rising, he said. "This is why we recommend using masks, especially in public places," the minister said.

Russia's consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said earlier that the morbidity rate of flu and acute respiratory viral infections is continuing to grow in Russia, the rate increased by 23% over the past week, and swine flu was identified in 74 Russian regions.